Director of Residential Life

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington (UW) is one of the world's preeminent universities, one of the oldest universities on the West Coast, and the flagship institution of the six public universities in Washington state. The University of Washington has a magnificent campus overlooking downtown Seattle and Portage Bay with stunning views of nearby Mount Rainier. The University enrolls and serves over 54,000 students annually, offering nearly 300 areas of study and over 600 degree options. Ranked sixth in the world on U.S. News and World Report's Best Global Universities Rankings, the University of Washington embraces a high standard of excellence. UW encourages a diverse academic community of educators and learners to lead innovative global research with close to $2 billion in research grants and contracts. At UW, diversity is essential to excellence, access, and justice. The University of Washington encourages its community to “be boundless for Washington and the world.”

Housing & Food Services (HFS) is integral to the university's drive to provide a vibrant student life and educational opportunities. HFS provides approximately 9,700 students with housing, which meets individual needs, promotes community, supports academic success, facilitates leadership development and social connections, and encourages campus engagement. Residential life is one of eight functional units within HFS. With frequent and impactful interactions with residents, residential life endeavors for students to learn to live together in a community as scholars, leaders, and global citizens.

Reporting to the assistant vice president for student life/executive director of housing and food services, the director of residential life provides vision and strategic direction for all programs and services associated with residential life for students residing in residence halls, apartments, and family housing. The director plans and executes dynamic programs and initiatives to increase residential student success and engagement, which include living-learning communities, leadership opportunities, community development, and designing responses to student conduct and behavioral issues. The director is a key campus partner who promotes a vibrant residential community within a comprehensive housing program. The director motivates and supervises six full-time professional staff, indirectly supervises 37 additional full-time staff, and oversees a paraprofessional team of approximately 200. The unit's annual operating budget is $6.8M.

The anticipated hiring range is $130-135,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience. The University of Washington offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including a variety of health option plans and generous retirement options.

A master's degree in student personnel, higher education administration, or related area, and a minimum of three years of progressive mid- to senior-level experience within a residential life operation are required. Other requirements include a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles related to organizational development, supervision, staff development, and student learning. A successful candidate will be a proven leader skilled in organizational change and have a strong track record of successful relationship and coalition building at all university levels. The director must have excellent communication skills and an understanding of current best practices and competencies for residential life. Experience with crisis management and response, knowledge of student conduct processes, and program assessment are necessary. Preferred qualifications include a terminal degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in a related field, ten years of experience in collegiate student housing, and evidence of contribution to the field of student learning and development.

Review of applications will begin March 21, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. A resume with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Julie A. Leos at jal@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the University of Washington Housing & Food Services website at https://hfs.uw.edu

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran. For additional information, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action compliance efforts at the University of Washington are coordinated by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA).